From Karnala to Kanchenjunga, our pick of the best sunrise points in India

Tiger Hill, Darjeeling, West Bengal: Among the country’s most popular sunrise points, this one offers spectacular views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. The rising sun paints the mountain in a changing palette of colours (think pink, then orange)—a spectacle of a lifetime! Just pray for a cloudless sky.

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Puri Beach, Odisha: Head to the beach at the crack of dawn to join local fishermen under a gold-tinctured sky. It’s the perfect Instagram frame, we tell you.

Photo: Ganesh H Shankar / Alamy Stock Photo

Kaziranga National Park, Assam: The sight of day breaking over the lush green grassland, with possibly a rhinoceros or two is worth the early start. The jeep tours start only at 7am, so make sure you sign up for the 5.30am elephant safari for the best experience.

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Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu: There are few sunrise points as dramatic as this one. Watch the red ball rise over the confluence of the three waters. Never mind the throngs of tourists—this spectacular sunrise is worth all the trouble.

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Karnala Fort, Maharashtra: While Mumbai crowds Lonavala and Matheran, head to this hilltop fort 10km from Panvel for the best views of the region. It’s an easy trek for the most part, with great bird sightings along the way. Camp here overnight to wake up in time for the stunning sunrise.

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Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand: Spare a morning from all the safari-ing and head to Sunrise Point, the highest peak in the park. The first rays light up the confluence of Rivers Ramganga and Kosi and the dense forest cover around. It’s a moment you won’t forget.

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Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Gadisar Lake is where you want to be to watch the sky and land bathe in a pinkish golden glow. The string of gorgeous chhatris and temples along the lake look their best at this time of the day.

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Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab: Everything from the temple to the holy waters around looks surreal under the first rays of the sun. Add to this the sonorous morning prayer that plays out over the speakers, and you have a soul-stirring morning.

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Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: All but one of the iconic temples here face the east, which means your pre-dawn darshan is coupled with dramatic views of the sky and silhouettes.

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Hampi, Karnataka: Hike to one of the many hillocks in Hampi to watch the sun rise over the boulders. Try some yoga to complete the perfect morning.

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Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: The early-morning views from and around the Galden Namgey Lhatse Monastery, India’s largest Buddhist monastery, are a balm to the stressed soul. The chants of the monks will further add to the peace.

Photo: Amey Kandalgaonkar | 500px

The Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh: The skies look gorgeous, the crowds are somewhat bearable, and the white mausoleum appears even more splendid at this time—despite the fog. Spend a few hours taking it all in before the hordes make their way.